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National Treasure Usuki Sekibutsu Fire Festival

Guide

National Treasure Usuki Sekibutsu Fire Festival

7 min read

Event Overview

The National Treasure Usuki Sekibutsu Fire Festival is a traditional summer event in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, evolving from ancient rituals for bountiful harvests and local deity worship. As 1,000 torches illuminate the village of stone Buddhas, the landscape transforms into a mystical and ethereal world. This is a rare opportunity to see the National Treasure Usuki Sekibutsu stone Buddhas bathed in a warm, flickering glow.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main highlight is the sight of the ancient stone Buddhas emerging from the darkness, surrounded by the warm light of countless torches. At 19:00, the lighting of the bonfires and torches transforms the area into a sacred, spiritual space. You can also enjoy the powerful rhythms of the Bungo Kichiku-daiko drumming. The combination of the dancing flames and the resonant drumbeats offers a profound, multi-sensory experience of traditional Japanese culture.

Schedule

The event takes place on August 29. The schedule is as follows:

  • *16:30~**: Food stalls open (Featuring local specialties like Kabosu cider, Usuki bowls, and more)
  • *17:00~**: Free distribution of Kabosu fruit (Limited to 200 pieces)
  • *18:30~**: Stone Buddha Memorial Service (at Koen Sekibutsu) and the Fire Ceremony (at Sekibutsu Park)
  • *19:00~**: Lighting of the bonfires and torches
  • *19:15~**: Bungo Kichiku-daiko Drumming Performance (1st session)
  • *20:15~**: Bungo Kichiku-daiko Drumming Performance (2nd session)
  • *21:00**: Event ends

Venue & Access

The event is held around the National Treasure Usuki Sekibutsu area. Please note that traffic restrictions will be in place on the day of the event.

  • *Traffic Restrictions**: Between 18:00 and 22:00, the area around the stone Buddhas will be closed to private vehicles. You cannot drive into the venue or use parking near the site during this time.
  • *Temporary Parking & Shuttle Buses**:
  • Usuki Minami Elementary School Grounds (Accessible by walking to the site)
  • Disaster Support Center (Former Usuki Commercial High School): Paid shuttle bus available (16:30–22:00, every 10 minutes)
  • Usuki City Central Public Hall: Shuttle bus available (17:15–22:00, every 30 minutes)
  • *Shuttle Bus Fees**: High school students and adults: 200 JPY / Elementary and Junior High students: 100 JPY (one way)

Tips for Visitors

While the standard viewing fee for the stone Buddhas is 550 JPY, it becomes free after 17:00. We recommend arriving in the late afternoon to enjoy the local food stalls and refreshing Kabosu-flavored drinks as you soak in the festive atmosphere. If you plan to use the shuttle bus, please prepare small change in advance for a smoother experience.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As this is an outdoor event held at night, please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for dark paths. Since the festival involves fire, please dress appropriately for safety. For details on food stall payments and reservations, please check the official website or local signage.